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An upstairs deck can be a charming place to relax and share brunch or drinks with loved ones, but the smaller it is, the more carefully you need to arrange it. Outdoor furniture is often large and unwieldy, and traditional deck accoutrements, such as patio umbrellas, are simply on the wrong scale for a small space. With some tricks of the interior design trade, you can decorate your deck to feel as large as possible or to take on a private, hanging-garden atmosphere.

Open Space

1

Select chairs with small, delicate frames. Outdoor furniture is often very solid and blocky, and that aesthetic can overwhelm a small space. Opt for narrow, slat-backed white chairs or lacy wrought-iron chairs, both of which let light through, and choose cushions or upholstery in pale fabrics.

2

Place a cocktail table beside each chair instead of having a larger, central table. Choose cocktail tables made of glass, with bases of wrought iron or wood in the same color as the deck.

3

Install recessed lighting in the deck roof if it has one. Dangling light fixtures can make a small space feel less expansive, and being able to flood the deck with light at night can make it feel larger.

4

Arrange candles in clear glass vases around the deck, perhaps on the cocktail tables or the railing if it is wide enough. When you want a more intimate atmosphere, illuminate the deck with the candles instead of the recessed lighting. Larger flames like tiki torches aren't scaled for a small deck, but candles in glass holders can cast enough light to warm the space.

5

Put potted plants in the corners, between the chairs or under the railing. Choose plants that match the greenery you can see from your deck. Opt for tall, narrow plants or small, low plants rather than wide or bushy ones.

Hanging Garden

1

Select chairs made of dark wood, wrought iron or distressed wood that matches the deck. Dark or natural colors help create a cozy, romantic atmosphere. Choose chairs with small frames so that they don't crowd the space.

2

Place a cocktail table beside each chair. Choose tables that match the chairs or the deck, or tables made of knotty, natural-looking wood.

3

Install sconce lighting along the wall of the house. Select sconces made of wrought iron, weathered wood or tinted glass. Sconces create a period, romantic atmosphere and low-level mood lighting.

4

Augment the lighting with candles in tinted glass vases. Select vases made of dark green, royal blue or maroon glass to mute the light and cast a gentle glow.

5

Plant climbing vines in pots at the base of the railing and the posts that support the deck's roof, if it has one. As the vines grow, they create a curtain of green and brown that shades the deck and gives it a private, intimate atmosphere.

6

Hang potted plants from the deck's roof if it has one. Choose English ivy, fuschia and other trailing plants that drape out of their pots. These potted trailers help fill out the hanging garden while your climbing vines grow.

Things You Will Need

Chairs

Cocktail tables

Recessed lighting

Candles

Glass vases

Potted plants

Sconce lighting

Climbing vines

Tray tables

Tip

Store folding tray tables inside and bring them out to the deck as serving tables when necessary.

About the Author

Stephanie Mitchell is a professional writer who has authored websites and articles for real estate agents, self-help coaches and casting directors. Mitchell also regularly edits websites, business correspondence, resumes and full-length manuscripts. She graduated from Syracuse University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater.